Fast Lane: New, quiet Maybach

At 5,453mm long and with a wheelbase of 3,365mm, the Mercedes-Maybach S-class exceeds both dimensions of the long-wheelbase S-class by 200mm. And the new limo is here. Although not as long as previous Maybach or Pullman models, rear occupants will still find themselves in a place with lots of legroom and headroom. Daimler claims the new model is also the world's quietest production saloon car.

The top-of-the-range variant is the Mercedes-Maybach S600, which is retailing at $800,888 (with COE). Its 5,980cc bi-turbo V12 has an output of 530bhp and 830Nm (from 1,900rpm).

The 4,663cc bi-turbo V8 in the Mercedes-Maybach S500 generates 455bhp and 700Nm.

Mazda to unveil new sports concept

In another world premiere, Mazda will unveil a new sports car concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, which runs from Oct 30 to Nov 8. It is believed to be the new RX-7, a rotary-engine coupe that had a cult following in the 1980s and 1990s.

PHOTO: HONDA

Honda fuel cell car

Honda will launch its fuel cell car at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The carmaker has been able to fit the entire fuel cell module– a hydrogen-fuelled battery pack– in the space normally occupied by the engine and transmission. This allows the cabin to accommodate five adults.

The FCV supposedly has a range of 700km–much longer than lithium battery electric cars and even rivalling diesel models.

PHOTO: HONDA

Neowing in Tokyo

In an unintentional tribute to the Can-Am Spyder, Honda will show off the Neowing three-wheeler at the Tokyo Motor Show. But unlike the Spyder, the Neowing is equipped with a hybrid system that combines a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and electric motors to generate plenty of torque.

PHOTO: BMW

Tougher-looking X1

BMW’s new X1 has landed, looking more crossover-like than its predecessor. For one, it is noticeably taller and slightly tougher-looking.

The X1 sDrive20i is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 192bhp and 280Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from zero to 100kmh in 7.7 seconds. It is also said to be more efficient than its predecessor. It is priced at $191,800.

PHOTO: EUROPEAN PRESSPHOTO AGENCY

Tesla’s Model X reaches buyers

Tesla Motors has started delivering its new product–the Model X, the world’s first electric crossover.

Its third model after Model S sedan and Roadster S two-seater, the Model X was launched after years of delay. But for fans, it has been worth waiting for.

The US$130,000 (S$187,000) car (about 30 to 35 per cent more expensive than a BMW X5) seats seven, has falcon doors and travels 400km on a single charge.

Mercedes overstates fuel economy figures most

Mercedes-Benz has topped the list of brands which overstate its fuel economy figures, Bloomberg reported.

For the second year in a row, Brussels-based lobby group Transport & Environment found Mercedes to be on average 48 per cent thirstier than claimed. Some models, such as the new A, Cand E-class cars, exceed the claim by 50 per cent, the lobby group said on Monday.

BMW’s 5-series and the Peugeot 308 produced differences between real-world and laboratory results of just under 50 per cent.

The findings were based on a 600,000-car analysis compiled by the non-profit International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

Another ICCT analysis in 2013 prompted the US probe that resulted in Volkswagen’s admission that it installed emission-cheating software in 11 million cars.

Responding to the consumption report, Mr Michael Rebstock, a BMW Ag spokesman, told Bloomberg: “It’s not news that there are differences between lab tests and real-world results.”

Christopher Tan

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 03, 2015, with the headline '(No headline) - CTFAST03'. Print Edition | Subscribe

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